The Getty Center, the architectural marvel perched atop the Santa Monica Mountains, will undergo its most ambitious transformation since its debut in 1997. The J. Paul Getty Trust announced that the Brentwood campus will undergo a Getty Center temporary closure starting in early 2027 to facilitate a comprehensive modernization of its facilities and visitor services.
The campus is scheduled to close its doors to the public on March 15, 2027, and will remain closed through the spring of 2028. This year-long hiatus is designed to ensure the institution is fully optimized and refreshed just in time for the 2028 Los Angeles Olympics, a period expected to bring an unprecedented surge of international tourism to the city.
The modernization project focuses on three primary pillars: enhancing the visitor experience, improving physical and digital accessibility, and strengthening the campus’s energy resilience. Spanning 110 acres, the site requires systemic updates to maintain its status as a world-class cultural hub while meeting contemporary standards for sustainability and connectivity.
A Blueprint for Modernization
Visitors returning to the campus in 2028 will find a site that has been fundamentally updated to remove friction from the guest experience. Central to these improvements is a complete overhaul of the Getty’s iconic tram system and a redesigned arrival and departure sequence. The museum also plans to implement new wayfinding support to make the sprawling campus more navigable for all guests.
The interior updates are equally extensive. The Welcome Hall—the primary gateway for millions of visitors—will be renovated to include a new bookstore, a refreshed café, and an updated retail experience. Within the galleries, the museum will introduce revitalized exhibition spaces and new commissions from contemporary artists.
Beyond the aesthetics, the Trust is addressing critical infrastructure. The plan includes campus-wide utility upgrades to resolve long-standing issues with cellphone service and Wi-Fi connectivity. Perhaps most importantly, the project prioritizes energy efficiency. Some of this work is already underway. visitors may currently notice certain galleries are closed as crews upgrade the campus HVAC system to meet new sustainability commitments and international best practices for collection environments.
“Getty is embarking on an exciting new chapter,” said Katherine E. Fleming, president and CEO of the J. Paul Getty Trust. “Our mission has always been to make art accessible to our Los Angeles community and visitors from around the world. In the coming years, guided by our commitment to All for Art, we will enhance the visitor experience across the Getty Center campus through reimagined spaces and new offerings, while prioritizing sustainability.”
Navigating the Gap: Access During Closure
To mitigate the impact of the closure, the Trust is implementing a strategy to keep its collections and programming accessible to the public. The Getty Villa in Pacific Palisades will remain open throughout the period, serving as the primary physical touchpoint for the institution. The Villa, which focuses on Ancient Greek and Roman art, will expand its offerings to include special exhibitions and a dedicated gallery featuring selected paintings from the Getty Center’s collection.
The Trust is also expanding its footprint beyond its traditional campuses. A new venue on Sepulveda Boulevard is currently in development to host special programs during the closure. Unlike the temporary nature of the modernization project, this Sepulveda space is intended to remain a permanent part of the Getty’s public outreach even after the main campus reopens.
the Trust has acquired a property in Westwood, strategically located near the planned Metro stop at Westwood and Wilshire. This acquisition is described as a long-term investment in housing for the institution’s scholar programs, further integrating the museum’s academic mission into the fabric of the city.
| Phase | Timeline | Status/Availability |
|---|---|---|
| Preliminary HVAC Work | Current – March 2027 | Campus Open (Partial Gallery Closures) |
| Full Campus Closure | March 15, 2027 – Spring 2028 | Campus Closed to Public |
| Alternative Access | March 2027 – Spring 2028 | Getty Villa & Sepulveda Venue Open |
| Grand Reopening | Spring 2028 | Full Campus Access (Pre-Olympics) |
Preparing for the Global Stage
The timing of the reopening is not coincidental. By completing these modernization efforts by spring 2028, the Getty Center positions itself as a premier destination for the global audience attending the Los Angeles Olympic Games. The upgrades to the tram system and Welcome Hall are specifically aimed at handling the high-volume crowds typical of such international events.
For the local community, the “All for Art” initiative represents a shift toward more inclusive accessibility, ensuring that the museum’s free admission policy is supported by a physical environment that is welcoming to people of all mobility levels and technological needs.
The Getty Center will continue to operate its full slate of programming and exhibitions through the spring of 2027. Visitors planning a trip to the Brentwood campus are encouraged to visit the museum’s official website to track current gallery closures and upcoming events before the full shutdown begins.
The next confirmed milestone for the project will be the gradual rollout of the Sepulveda Boulevard programming space, which will serve as a bridge for the community during the transition. We will continue to monitor the progress of these infrastructure upgrades as the 2027 deadline approaches.
Do you have a favorite memory of the Getty Center, or are you looking forward to the new upgrades? Share your thoughts in the comments below.
